The free agents NUFC could now sign after Rafa failed to get a full-back or No 10 on deadline day

Going into the final few days of the window, Rafa Benitez made it known that he still wanted a centre-back, a number 10 and cover at full -back.

We got one of those in Swansea centre-back Federico Fernandez, but we are still woefully short at full-back and in the number 10 role, with us having VERY little cover and competition should Dummett, Yedlin or Perez get injured.

With this in mind, here’s a few free agents Rafa Benitez could look at if he felt a new recruit was necessary:

Full-backs

Guilherme Siqueira – Sky claimed that the Brazilian left-back was actually very close to signing for Newcastle on loan two summers ago, with it being reported that Benitez had agreed a deal for the Valencia and Atletico Madrid defender. He’s now a free agent and may be someone Rafa reconsiders if he REALLY needs another option to cover for Dummett.

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Glen Johnson – The former Chelsea and Liverpool full-back failed to agree a new contract with Stoke following relegation. It’d be a sign of desperation to sign the 33-year old, but he knows the league well and can play at both left-back and right-back.

Benoit Tremoulinas – The French international has had his injury problems of late, however he’ll be a player Rafa is aware of – having recently been released by La Liga giants Sevilla.

Attacking midfielders

Samir Nasri – Bags and bags of experience playing at the highest level with world class players, he would be a player that younger players could benefit from. Despite seeming like he has been around forever he is only 31, and could still have a lot to offer. Wages could be a sticking point though..

Adam Maher – Still only 25 and a player who’ll be looking to get his career back on track after not quite living up to his potential after spells with PSV, FC Twente and AZ Alkmaar in Holland. He has age on his side and has 46 goals and 40 assists in over 200 career appearances so far.

Bakary Sako – An explosive winger, but someone who often placed just off the striker at Palace. He would provide competition in several areas and give us that bit of flair our team lacks without Kenedy. Would be a risk free signing if Rafa was to take a punt.

Balázs Dzsudzsák – Hungary’s captain and a player with bags of experience, having played with PSV and Dinamo Moscow prior to more recent spells in Turkey an the UAE. Another versatile attacker we may consider IF we were pushed to bring in an emergence recruit.

Hatem Ben Arfa – This one is at the bottom of the list for a reason; his return seems so unlikely under a manager like Rafa. He may be on the look out for added flair and attacking talent, but Ben Arfa would have to seriously change his ways to fit into Benitez’s disciplined system.

Would you take any of these?

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